UAE consolidates its position as global hub for cross-border e-commerce

ABU DHABI, 11 March (BelTA - Emirates News Agency) - The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading global and regional hubs in the e-commerce sector, benefiting from an integrated ecosystem that includes advanced logistics infrastructure, rapid digital transformation in government services, and a flexible regulatory environment that supports the digital economy.

These factors have strengthened the country’s role as a key platform for managing digital trade operations and cross-border e-commerce in the region, while also making it a launchpad for global companies seeking to expand into markets across the region, Asia, and Africa.

Specialised international reports indicate that the UAE is among the world’s most prepared markets for digital trade. A report by Standard Chartered showed that the country ranks among the leading global markets in terms of readiness for digital trade, thanks to the strength of its digital ecosystem, the clarity of its regulatory environment, and the rapid adoption of modern technologies by businesses-factors that are reshaping global trade routes.

A study by Euromonitor International in cooperation with EZDubai revealed that the UAE’s e-commerce market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, reaching approximately AED 32.3 billion in 2024, with projections to exceed AED 50.6 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

The UAE’s influence is not limited to its domestic market but extends to supporting the growth of e-commerce across the region.

Experts believe that the UAE plays a central role in supporting this regional growth, given the strategic advantages that have positioned it as a major hub for digital supply chains in the region.

Ahmed Kadhum Mohammed, Chief Investment Officer at Tradex, said that the UAE’s distinction is not limited to infrastructure alone, but rather stems from the integration of multiple elements within a single ecosystem, including flexible and frequently updated regulations, specialized free zones, a sophisticated banking sector, political and economic stability, and the early adoption of government digital transformation.